Nov
Tea Accessories, Tea Gifts
Back to Basics: Choosing the Right Teawares
Are you new to the world of tea and feeling overwhelmed by all the teaware options available? Maybe you’re wondering if you should invest in a teapot, or if you’d prefer to brew in your favourite mug using a tea tool. Maybe you’ve heard the phrase ‘tea for one’ but have no clue what that actually means.
There’s plenty of different teawares you can choose from. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to select the perfect teaware to suit your taste and brewing preferences.
Teapots
A teapot is the heart and soul of any tea ritual. When choosing a teapot, consider factors such as material, size, and design – after all, your teapot should be a representation of your personality!
Ceramic teapots are one of the most common and versatile options that retain heat well, while glass teapots allow you to watch the leaves unfurl as they steep.
Cast Iron teapots are another stylish and ceremonial choice. These often come with a trivet to keep your pot elevated from the surface it sits on, and can often be paired with matching small cups to enjoy your traditional green teas from.
In terms of size, opt for a smaller teapot if you’re brewing tea for one (1-2 cup capacity), or a larger one for sharing with friends (4+ cup capacity). Look for teapots with built-in stainless steel infusers for easy brewing and cleanup.
Tea Cups and Saucers
Tea cups come in all shapes and sizes, so choose ones that feel comfortable to hold and suit your aesthetic preferences. Traditional teacups with saucers are great if you like the old school elegant experience and are perfect for afternoon teas (the saucer is the best spot for your bickie!).
Alternatively, double-walled glass cups have risen to popularity in recent years as a way to showcase the vibrant colours of your tea while keeping your hands cool to the touch. These can also double as coffee cups, making them a multi-purpose investment.
Tea for Ones
If you prefer to enjoy tea solo, a tea-for-one set is the perfect solution. These sets typically include a teapot that stacks on top of a cup, sometimes also containing a matching saucer. Tea for one sets are compact and convenient, making them ideal for cosy tea moments at home or in the office. Look for sets with built-in infusers or strainers for easy brewing and cleanup.
Brew Mugs
Brew mugs combine the convenience of a travel mug with the functionality of a teapot, and are the perfect desktop tea receptacle for those who don’t want the cleanup of a teapot. These versatile mugs typically feature built-in infusers or strainers, allowing you to brew tea directly in the mug. These sometimes come with a lid to keep heat in, however these aren’t usually secure for transporting like a travel flask.
Choose a size that fits your daily tea consumption and opt for durable materials like ceramic or glass, with stainless steel infuser baskets to prevent rusting.
Matcha Bowls and Whisks
For those diving into the world of matcha, a traditional matcha bowl (chawan) and bamboo whisk (chasen) are essential tools. Matcha bowls come in various sizes and designs, but they are typically wide and shallow, allowing ample room for whisking.
Bamboo whisks are specially designed to froth and mix matcha powder with water, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Look for whisks with a high number of prongs for optimal frothing power.
You might like to opt for a Matcha Brewing Kit that contains all the pieces of equipment required to make a delicious bowl of matcha with ease.
Brewing Tools & Accessories
No teaware collection is complete without a few essential accessories. Invest in a quality tea infuser or strainer to brew loose-leaf tea with ease. There are a variety of tea infuser styles, from tea balls, steep sticks, cup infusers, and cone strainers (particularly handy for brewing chai at home!). It’s a good idea to keep a few tea brewing tools handy in your kitchen if you have unexpected guests pop around for tea!
As you grow your teaware collection, we hope this guide helps you select the right tools to enjoy your favourite tea from. Happy sipping!
